Rogers delivers more than $7.5 million for space science program

MOREHEAD, KY (October 27, 2026) – U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) welcomed NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and astronaut Stephen Bowen to Morehead State University (MSU), one of NASA’s partners on the Deep Space Network. 

Isaacman is the fourth administrator of the nation’s leading aeronautics agency to visit MSU over the last decade. MSU’s Space Science Program has drawn growing national attention for its high-powered space tracking stations and advanced aerospace education and engineering program. 

“What an exciting time to hear from our friends at NASA, as the historic Artemis era continues. Morehead State University’s Space Science students have a front-row seat to America’s space race, as they work directly with NASA to track each mission and engineer cube satellites for space flight,” said Congressman Rogers. “Thanks to new partnerships with private companies and institutions like Morehead State University, we are advancing the global race for space exploration faster than ever before.” 

“Morehead State is already playing a real role in America’s return to the Moon. Students and faculty helped develop Lunar IceCube, supported Odysseus on the lunar surface, and helped connect the mission to NASA’s Deep Space Network through Morehead’s 21-meter ground station, demonstrating meaningful capabilities for what comes next,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. “Chairman Rogers has been a strong advocate for this university and America’s space program, and it was great to see firsthand the talent here in eastern Kentucky that will help carry Artemis forward.”

Administrator Isaacman presented Congressman Rogers with a framed Kentucky flag that was aboard the historic Artemis II space flight that circled the moon in April 2026.  

As chairman of Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies, the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee that funds NASA, Rogers works diligently to advance America’s competitive edge over China in the space race, a critical priority for the nation’s military, economic and geopolitical interests. 

On Tuesday, Rogers delivered a check for $7.54 million for Morehead State University’s Space Science Center’s payload operations. The fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding that Congressman Rogers secured was signed into law by President Trump in February. 

“It is an honor to host NASA Administrator Isaacman and Astronaut Stephen Bowen on our campus. Our space science program is growing and we continue to contribute to the academic and economic development of the space industry. We are also appreciative of the support that Congressman Hal Rogers has provided to MSU over the years as we build out space science program. The three of them here today speak to the strength we have in the future of space exploration.” Dr. Jay Morgan, President of MSU.

 “Federal funding efforts led by Congressman Rogers has transformed space research at Morehead State University.  It has helped us build capacity to provide lunar tracking and data services with our satellite ground station - NASA Deep Space Station -17.  This latest round of funding will continue to advance our technology in that area and also improve our Mission Operations Center to allow us to provide payload and mission support services to NASA and commercial space programs,” said Dr. Ben Malphrus, MSU Space Science Center Director.

For more information about Congressman Rogers’ work in Washington and at home in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on Facebook, Instagram and X. 

NASA Administrator Isaacman, Congressman Rogers, Astronaut Bowen at Morehead State University, Oct. 27, 2026

Congressman Rogers Delivers $7.54 Million Check to Dr. Morgan & Dr. Malphrus for MSU Space Science Center Payload Operations